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Social wellness is about making healthy connections and developing healthy relationships. According to an article at the University of California, Davis
at Student Health and Counseling page,

“social wellness” refers to the relationships we have and how we interact with others. Our relationships can offer support during difficult times. Social wellness involves building healthy, nurturing and supportive relationships as well as fostering a genuine connection with those around you.”

Humans are social creatures. We were created to interact with and support each other. Scientific studies have shown that our connections to others
can protect overall health and can contribute to longer life spans.

Are you finding your social calendar to be a bit underwhelming? This is a great time to focus more on developing healthier social habits. Developing
healthy social habits can assist you in improving your support network, and can contribute to overall health and well-being.

If socializing is difficult for you, you’ll find some tips below to assist you in improving your social wellness:

Find new avenues for making social connections

Join a group that focuses on a hobby you’re interested in

Take a community education course

Volunteer

If you’re a caregiver, take care of yourself as you care for others

Make sure to reach out to others and let them know you need help

Make to-do lists and delegate tasks to others that you don’t your personal attention

Keep yourself nourished, hydrated, well-rested, and be sure to exercise

Improve your physical health as you improve social connections

Start a walking group with friends

Try new physical activities

Join a yoga or Tai chi class

Shape your family’s health habits

Be a role model

Make healthy activities fun

Offer healthier activity and nutrition options

Bond with family members

Praise children for healthy/good behaviors

Perform random acts of kindness for and with family members

Find things that you can enjoy together

Interview an elderly family member about his/her history

Build healthy relationships

Set healthy boundaries

Be open and honest about your emotions

Be a compassionate and non-judgmental listener

Treat others how you want to be treated and expect the same in return

Remember, we are social creatures and we need each other. We all need to find ways to strengthen our support systems. Improve your social wellness
and you will improve your overall health and well-being while adding years to your lifespan.